Our Why

The Power of Shopping Small This Holiday Season

Oct 29, 2025

I used to be a one-click shopper. You know the type—packages arriving at my doorstep every other day, the thrill of finding exactly what I wanted with a single tap on my phone...

The irony? I've always cared deeply about sustainability. I was buying "the right" products—organic, eco-friendly, ethically sourced—but in the most harmful way possible.

Then I started paying attention to who was actually profiting from my purchases... And that anger became the catalyst for change.

The Wake-Up Call

Small businesses created over 70% of net new jobs since 2019... I realized that every dollar I spent was a vote for the kind of economy and community I wanted to live in.

Discovering the Story Behind the Store

“These weren't just shops—they were dreams materialized.”

Behind every carefully curated shelf was an owner who had taken a risk, who had a vision for what their community needed...

The Numbers Don't Lie

According to the American Independent Business Alliance, 48% of each purchase at local independent businesses is recirculated locally, compared to less than 14% at chain stores.

That means small businesses return more than three times as much money per dollar of sales to the local economy...

How to Make the Shift

Follow Local Businesses on Social Media – Window-shop from home, get inspired, and visit in person.
Start Small and Build Relationships – Get to know your local owners and staff.
Plan Ahead – Support a more sustainable shopping rhythm.
Give Experiences and Local Gift Cards – Create meaningful memories.
Shop Online Locally – Support small businesses’ websites, not massive marketplaces.
Tell Others – Leave reviews and share your favorite shops.

The Cost Conversation: Quality Over Quantity

Let's be honest—shopping small sometimes costs more. But it's not about spending more—it's about buying differently...

“What if we gave fewer gifts but made each one more meaningful?”